Mark Ives' Message Ahead of National League Cup's Start

The competition begins this evening with nine fixtures as the curtain comes up with some eye-catching matches against Premier League and EFL sides.

In an interview with the Non-League Paper on Sunday, he explained why the time is right to introduce the tournament and says there are so many positives to be found.

He stressed the financial benefits are clear to see and feels players will really benefit from coming up against some future stars of the game.

He said: “We’re very much looking forward to the opening night, and kicking off what we know will be a very worthwhile competition.

“An enhanced games programme that enable you to participate against clubs at a senior level – both Premier League and EFL clubs.

“It will give the opportunity for our management teams to mix with managers they don’t normally see, it will give an opportunity for players to get first team experience where maybe they were on the fringe previously.

“Of course we need to make sure it is financially viable and beneficial for the clubs. That was always the key. When you piece it all together it makes it a viable proposition to give it a go.”

Ahead of the competition kicking off, Ives wanted to make clear his stance on FA Cup replays, after the FA announced that drawn fixtures would go straight to extra time and potentially penalties in the competition proper from the 2024-25 season onwards.

“We’ve never gone against replays, we’ve never voiced a view with regards to that,” he told the NLP.

“We have an understanding of the challenges that face the professional game with regard to the fixture calendar the higher up you go.

“We understand that. It was a decision that was made because of that challenge at the top level of the game.

Unfortunately, some people are drawing a conclusion when they are not privy to what went on.

“The FA Cup is a fantastic competition. When you change the position and the way it works, it is a very emotive subject.”